Photo ©Amar Preciado
Packing for a trip to France demands more than throwing together a few basics, especially when it comes to the contents of your handbag. A true French style staple, the handbag is the secret to why French women always look effortlessly composed, come rain or shine. With perfectly organized essentials for touch-ups, weather surprises and everyday ease, it’s the ultimate tool for a life lived in style.
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When traveling, your handbag becomes your survival kit, ready to navigate Parisian streets, bask on Provençal terraces, or handle whatever the day brings. To help you plan your next trip, we’ve curated a list of travel essentials with a touch of French flair — keeping you radiant, organized and ready for anything.
1. Travel Hand Sanitizer
Noshinku Pocket Sprayer Discovery Pack
$26 / pack of 3
Essential yet often overlooked, a well-formulated hand sanitizer is a travel must-have. Look for one that combines efficacy with hydrating properties, ensuring your hands remain soft and fresh as you jump from the métro to the market then the bistro. With natural scents of Bergamot, Lavendar and Eucalyptus, we love Noshinku’s sleek and refillable pocket hand sprays, infused with nourishing jojoba, rosehip and argan oils to replenish your skin as it cleanses.
2. A Hydrating Face Mist
Caudalie Beauty Elixir – Travel Size
$42
Long flights and busy days can leave your skin feeling parched. A hydrating face mist, such as Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir, is perfect for reviving your skin and relieving tightness while you’re out and about. Options infused with thermal water — loved in France for its anti-inflammatory properties — or hyaluronic acid offer added benefits, while Caudalie’s mix of essential oils and botanicals delivers a refreshing sensory boost — ideal for a quick spritz after a museum tour or before a leisurely alfresco lunch. Opt for travel-sized bottles that fit effortlessly into your handbag.
3. A Universal Rouge Balm
Violette Fr Bisou Balm
$29
A swipe of rouge is the ultimate French woman’s travel secret, delivering effortless sophistication with minimal effort. Multi-purpose lipsticks and balms are a go-to, offering a quick pop of color for lips, cheeks, and even eyelids — ideal for touch-ups after a café crème or achieving that signature low-maintenance look the French have mastered.
We love Violette FR’s Bisou Balm for its sheer matte finish, offering a flush of color and a soft, blurred effect for that just-kissed look. For drier lips, their new Bisou Jelly tinted balm offers hydration with a subtle tint, perfect for everyday wear.
4. A Travel Pouch
Sézane Maxi Flat Pouch
$25
The French adore organization with an artisanal touch, and your handbag should be no exception. Opt for a leather or fabric organizer from a brand like Sézane to neatly store your useful documents, beauty items and métro tickets to save time and avoid stress. It’s a practical luxury that brings order and style to every journey.
5. A Scarf
Hello Silk Thin Scarf
$40
A scarf is the ultimate multifunctional accessory and a hallmark of French fashion. Choose between silk for a chic effect or a cozy cashmere blend for cooler periods of the year. Whether draped over your shoulders, tied to your bag, or even used as a quick head covering during a sudden downpour, there are many ways your scarf will prove it use — a truly essential piece for any French-inspired wardrobe.
6. Sunglasses
Sézane Georgia sunglasses
$175
From the sunny promenades of Nice to the wintry boulevards of Paris, a chic pair of sunglasses is an essential year-round accessory for the French woman. Inspired by icons like Françoise Hardy and Catherine Deneuve, the right frames bring effortless allure while protecting your eyes from any glare. Luxury brands like Celine and Isabel Marant offer timeless designs that pair seamlessly with any look, while mid-range options from Sézane and Jimmy Fairly combine French sophistication with practicality, making them ideal for strolls through Provence or people watching in Paris.
7. A Mini Fragrance
For a fresh feel
$22.90
Scent is integral to the French art of living, and a travel-sized perfume ensures you’re always surrounded by a subtle, elegant aura. Source mini bottles of your signature before travelling, or opt for a solid perfume for easy application on the go. A quick dab is all you need to transition seamlessly from a busy day at the flea markets to an intimate dinner.
8. An SPF Stick
Caudalie Vinosun Protect SPF50+ High Protection Stick
$26.95
Sun protection is non-negotiable, whether you’re strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries or basking in the sunny mountains of Annecy. A compact SPF stick, such as Caudalie’s VinoSun Protect Stick, slips easily into your bag and ensures mess-free application throughout the day. Bonus points for its sensitive-skin friendly formula, which can be used on the body, face and lips.
9. A Compact Umbrella
Davek “The Mini” Umbrella
$60
A lightweight umbrella is a must-have, keeping you prepared for sudden showers without compromising on style. Brands like Davek deliver sleek, durable designs that fold compactly — ideal for slipping into a handbag. Look for neutral tones or classic patterns that add a polished touch to any outfit, effortlessly blending practicality with sophistication.
10. A Notebook
Marin Montagut Notebook
$40
For jotting down your favorite addresses or sketching a scenic view, a streamline notebook is a timeless travel companion. Consider opting for ones with handcrafted elements, such as those by Parisian brands Marin Montagut and Antoinette Poisson, known for their beautifully designed stationery. It’s perfect for preserving memories of your trip, from antique shops in Saint-Ouen to the coastal views of Brittany.
Read next: Outdated Paris Travel Advice (and What To Do Instead)
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